Terps can go 3-0 for first time since 2001

Photos of the Maryland football team during the 2015 season.

Jeff BarkerThe Baltimore Sun

Sometime, perhaps after Saturday’s game, Randy Edsall will allow himself to embrace the nostalgia associated with returning to Connecticut. It’s the school he coached for 12 seasons. His daughter graduated from UConn, and his son was schooled in the state. He helped transition the program from Division I-AA.

But – as I wrote in a story for Wednesday’s paper – Edsall is able to compartmentalize when he needs to. He won’t allow himself or his team to be distracted.

While the media was asking them about Edsall and UConn, Terps players wanted to talk instead about the chance to go 3-0 for the first time since 2001, a year Maryland earned a trip to the Orange Bowl. The Terps won their first seven games that season.

Going 3-0 may not sound like much given that the level of opposition has not been high so far. But consider that the Terps lost their final six games last season. Maryland has outscored two opponents 90-20 so far. Part of becoming good is believing you can.

Last season, freshman quarterback Perry Hills was sacked six times in a 24-21 loss to UConn. Hills was still finding his way.

The Terps gain comfort this season from knowing that 22-year-old C.J. Brown -- back from an ACL injury -- is taking the snaps.

“I think what happens is the people around him -- and the players around him -- see how he handles himself and how he goes about his business," Edsall said "I think it just brings a sense of calmness."